Human Rights,France: Hijab ban during sports, ‘discriminatory and must be reversed’ say experts

France: Hijab Ban During Sports, ‘Discriminatory and Must Be Reversed’ Say Experts

Date: 2024-10-28 12:00

Introduction:

The French government’s ban on wearing the hijab in sports has sparked widespread criticism from human rights experts, who have condemned it as “discriminatory” and “a violation of religious freedom.”

Background:

In September 2023, the French government announced that it would ban the wearing of religious symbols, including the hijab, in all sports competitions organized by the French Tennis Federation (FFT). The ban was ostensibly aimed at promoting “secularism” in sports, but it has been widely seen as targeting Muslim women.

Expert Reaction:

The ban has been met with strong opposition from human rights organizations, legal experts, and sports bodies. The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed, has called the ban “discriminatory and unnecessary.” He argued that it violates the right to freedom of religion and expression, and that it will disproportionately affect Muslim women.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has also expressed concern about the ban. In a non-binding opinion issued in 2021, the ECHR stated that a ban on religious symbols in sports could only be justified under certain circumstances, such as if it were necessary to protect public safety or order. The ECHR did not consider that the French government had provided sufficient evidence to justify the ban.

Sports Bodies:

Sports bodies have also denounced the ban as discriminatory and harmful. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has stated that it is “deeply concerned” about the ban and that it “does not support any form of discrimination.” The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has also expressed its opposition to the ban.

Conclusion:

The French government’s ban on the hijab in sports has been widely condemned by human rights experts, legal experts, and sports bodies. The ban is seen as discriminatory and in violation of religious freedom. The ban is also likely to have a negative impact on Muslim women’s participation in sports.

Experts have called on the French government to reverse the ban and to ensure that all athletes are treated equally, regardless of their religion or beliefs.


France: Hijab ban during sports, ‘discriminatory and must be reversed’ say experts

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